Q: Tiny, black, glossy, round beetles are eating the new petals of my echinaceas and rudbeckias. What are they and how do I get rid of them without killing the butterflies, etc.? Anne Fitts

Q: This is a very common problem. Your plants are being attacked by flea beetles. Try spraying open flowers and flowers still in bud according to label directions with a natural insecticide called neem. You can get this at many garden centers. If you spray in the evening when butterflies aren’t active, you shouldn’t hurt them. Grumpy